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Families Urged To Check Free School Meal Eligibility As Support Expands
National eligibility changes have been made to Free School Meals and Westmorland and Furness are urging families to check whether they are eligible for Free School Meals.
From September 2026, all households receiving Universal Credit can apply, regardless of income. Families must still apply, as eligibility is not awarded automatically. The changes remove the previous earnings threshold for Universal Credit claimants, meaning more working families who receive Universal Credit top-up payments, may now qualify for support.
Councillor Janet Battye, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: ‘We want to ensure that every family who is entitled to support, receives it. The expansion of Free School Meal eligibility means that many more families – including those who are working and receiving Universal Credit, may now qualify. I encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible to check and apply. Registering for Free School Meals not only helps families with the cost of school meals but can also unlock additional support and funding for schools. You can also pop into any of our Family Hubs and ask for help and information from our friendly teams.’
For more information and to apply online, click on the link Westmorland and Furness Council website . It typically take only a few minutes to complete.
If you are struggling to fill in the online information, our Customer Services people will help you. You can also pop into one of our friendly Family Hubs. Please either email us at FSM.ClothingGrants@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk or Telephone: call 0300 373 3300